I am deeply honored to have been elected mayor of the Village of Amityville. Serving this community — one defined by its history, character and strong civic pride — is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. As we look ahead to the coming year, I want to share my vision for Amityville in 2026: a village that continues to move forward thoughtfully, builds on the work already underway, and remains focused on improving the quality of life for all who call it home.
Amityville enters the new year with something every community needs — momentum. Not the kind that comes from a single ribbon-cutting or headline, but steady, practical momentum, built project by project and street by street through planning, coordination and follow-through. For residents, that momentum should translate into a village that is easier to get around, safer, cleaner and more welcoming for families, visitors and local businesses.
Over the past year, residents have experienced the realities that often accompany progress. Construction zones, detours and temporary disruptions are never easy, but they are frequently necessary. In a village like Amityville, many improvements require coordination with state, county and utility agencies. That process can be slow and, at times, frustrating. What matters most is that the village remains actively engaged — advocating for residents’ priorities and building productive working relationships.
This includes ongoing collaboration with the state Department of Transportation on a comprehensive traffic-calming plan for Route 110, where safety, accessibility and quality of life are critical concerns. As we move into 2026, these efforts are gaining traction, and residents should begin to see projects advance from planning to implementation.
This work is being carried forward by a new village administration and new members of the board of trustees who are committed to building on the strong foundation established by prior leadership. Effective local government isn’t about erasing what came before — it’s about respecting past efforts while strengthening them.
Environmental stewardship remains a core priority for the board. Amityville’s natural resources and waterfront are among our most valuable assets, and protecting them is not only an environmental responsibility; it is essential to our quality of life. We are equally committed to ensuring that our future growth respects our historic character. That commitment led to a moratorium on new multi-dwelling developments, allowing the village time to evaluate how the current inventory of units impacts municipal services and residents’ everyday lives.
We continue to focus on quality-of-life issues through the dedicated work of our Building Department and Code Enforcement officers. Amityville is also a community to be proud of because of the tireless service provided by our Police Department, Department of Public Works and volunteer fire and rescue organizations, which work every day to keep residents safe and well served.
At the same time, 2026 will be about improving the everyday experience of living, working and spending time in Amityville. Continued investment in our downtown is central to that goal. A successful downtown requires clear signage, smart parking guidance, improved lighting, attractive streetscapes and public spaces that invite people to visit and linger — investments that support local businesses and reinforce the downtown as the heart of our community.
That’s why the village’s branding and wayfinding initiative matters. This effort is about making Amityville easier to navigate while highlighting key destinations such as the downtown, waterfront, parks and local businesses. Public input has been central to ensuring that the results reflect the community’s identity and values.
If 2026 is a year of building, it is also a year of strengthening trust. Large projects bring questions and differing viewpoints, and that is healthy in an engaged community. The village’s responsibility is to communicate clearly, be transparent about challenges and listen carefully to resident feedback.
Amityville’s story this year won’t be written by a single announcement or project. It will be reflected in visible improvements, environmental responsibility, safer streets, stronger partnerships and a downtown that feels vibrant and connected. Progress takes time — but it is happening. The village is well positioned to turn momentum into lasting results for generations to come.
On behalf of Deputy Mayor Owen Brooks, Trustees Roger Smith, Robert Russo and Adam Ansanelli and the hardworking employees who serve our residents every day, we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2026.
Michael O’Neill is the mayor of Amityville.
